In the last couple of years, we’ve seen the rise of digital magazines across all industries. This is an interesting article that discusses the flaws in delivering digital versions of traditional print magazines.
I’m curious what people think of magazines that are only available digitally. I have recently started to read a couple of digital design magazines that are not available in print at all. Here is an example if you’re interested in playing around with it. Like reading books on an e-reader, it just isn’t the same for me. The colors don’t seem as vibrant. I don’t feel like I have a personal experience with the magazine like I do when I pick it up from my nightstand. However, most of them are free. Has anyone else tried digital mags out?
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2 comments:
I'm glad you posted this, because I wasn't very familiar with online magazines.
As both you and the article pointed out, one of the biggest mistakes some of these magazines can make is trying to exactly replicate the print format.
I find the same format much harder to read online since you have to zoom in and out on certain sections. Reading a magazine shouldn't require that much work, and companies need to make their digital mags more user-friendly.
However, one feature about digital versions I love is the embedded links, and I think digital mags could capitalize on these direct links to their advertisers instead of just selling traditional ad-space.
Also there are sites that let you create your own magazine -- http://www.magcloud.com/. This site you can actually publish a hard copy that others can buy and also create a digital copy. So suddenly magazines become part of the communication toolbox - an interesting way for companies to tell their stories. But I agree with both of you - digital magazines can't replace the print experience and it's all about the format. The linking is great and if they can make it even more interactive all the better!
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